Fear-of-the-Lord

Fear -of-the-Lord is the stock biblical term for this either sudden or cultivated awareness that the presence or revelation of God introduces into our lives. We are not the center of our existence. We are not the sum total of what matters. We don't know what's going to happen next.

Fear-of-the-Lord keeps us on our toes with our eyes open. Something is going on around here, and we don't want to miss it. Fear-of-the-Lord prevents us from thinking that we know it all. And it therefore prevents us from closing off our minds or our perceptions from what is new. Fear-of-the-Lord prevents us from acting presumptously and therefore destroying or violating some aspect of beauty, truth, or goodness that we don't recognize or don't understand.

Fear-of-the-Lord is fear with the scary element deleted. So it is often accompanied with the reassurance: "Fear not." But the "fear not" does not result in the absence of fear but rather the transformation into the fear-of-the-Lord. We still don't know what's going on. We're still not in control. We're still deep, deep in mystery.

(all emphasis was added by me)

Living the Resurrection (The Risen Christ in Everyday Life) - Eugene H. Peterson (pages 28 and 29).

Why Jesus Came to Die 3

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our wekanesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4: 15-16).


We are likely to feel unwelcome in the presence of God if we come with struggles. We feel God's purity and perfection so keenly that everything about us seems unsuitable in his presence. But then we remember that Jesus is "sympathetic." He feels with us, not against us. This awareness of Christ's sympathy make us bold to come. He knows our cry. He tasted our struggle. He bids us come with confidence when we feel our need.

Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die - John Piper (Pages 72 and 73)

What rhymes with "WILT"

GUILT

Check this out over at Internetmonk

...It is the emotion of nagging, background guilt. Guilt related to deviating from the approved path of the group in thought and belief.

...

...They have raised questions, and sometimes affirmed answers, that have put them outside the traditions and identity of the group.

And they feel guilt for doing so...

...

Some of the guilt comes from actual reaction of the group and its leaders to their departure from the beliefs and worldview. But most of this guilt, I believe, is self-inflicted, and exists in the minds and hearts of these young men because they know their own thoughts and deepest convictions. They hold themselves guilty for growing, asking, disagreeing, and criticizing. (my emphasis added)

There is just too much of this stuff going on in religion with too many brothers in Christ. Michael Spencer (he is the "Internet Monk") goes to say:

I have some advice... If you are in an environment where you feel guilty about your personal journey of faith, something is wrong. (author's emphasis added). Be immediately suspicious when your legitmate explorations of the faith we share in Jesus results in guilt because you fear you have "strayed." (author's emphasis added).

Amen to this. I have been thinking about this subject a lot in recent weeks and out in the blogosphere there is just so much on this subject. To engage in dialoge and discussion with someone who has a different belief than you is something Paul did in the New Testament (the now infamous Mars Hill story in Acts 17). But he did not heap guilt on or mock the Athenians. He conversed with them. But, what is most missed on this story was that disagreement between the 2 parties was Jesus, the Gospel, and salvation. Discussions didn't revolve around side issues and peripherals of Christianity. Paul didn't waste time with that "stuff." In a fast and furious finish he laid out the gospel of Jesus for all to understand and comprehend. Leaving the door open for them to believe in the Risen Savior.

This is the only situation worth losing sleep over. This is the only issue worth "not giving in" on. This is the only conversation to stick to your guns. For lack of a better phrase, this is the only arguement to ever have! This is the only fact of life you should not wilt under.

But wilting is what we cause other to do when we heap so much guilt on them that they get beat down. Guilt is a very effective measure to get action. But is the action what is desired? Is the action legitmate? Is the action sincere? Is action then worth it if it wasn't legit, honest, and sincere? No. Additionally, to coerce someone into having their spirit wilt is just plain wrong. Heap so much baggage and hollow manipulations on them until they just wilt away is not being conformed to the image of Chirst.

I know I am at least half on a soapbox right now with the other foot ready to come off the floor as the soap box gets bigger, but my thoughts still aren't complete on this subject but what I have said so far is suffice for me at this moment.

As such, I ask any of you that read this to hold me accountable if you see that I have strayed from this. Hold off on the hypocrisy and two-faced emails until you ask me to check myself.

Again, read the whole Internetmonk entry here. It appears this is just one entry in a series that has already started and has more on the way. Should be some good reading for many.

On a personal note - Glad to see someone is getting back in the saddle.

I Plead the Ninth!!

This post may be more specific to the circle of us that are dealing with a current brother's struggles on some of his recent blogging (and just his individualism and humanity). But this post I came across is dead nuts right on for all of us with a lot of the things we read, hear, say, and do ourselves. The post may deal with more with public and national platforms, it holds true for individuals like all of us out in the blogosphere.

These words come from the site "Words of Grace"

...There is no excuse for unjust accusations nor the careless, arrogant attacks made on brothers in Christ.

Am I the only one who's going to say it? This is sin.

...

Look, if you think someone's theology is dangerous, then deal with it....But it must be done with care and precision, not passion and presumption.

...

The carelessness of it all amazes me...men who would never steal another's goods don't think twice about robbing a man of his reputation.

Click here for more

What in the world is going on?!

Not that much good. Some days you hear or see certain news stories that stick out in your mind. Sometimes you here them in succession and you cannot help but wonder what in the hell is going on out there. These 3 stories were all told in succession on a Detroit radio station (yes a secular station) during the morning commute. All of sudden my hour long commute seems insignificant.

Story 1 - this one will make you gasp and possibly cry

Story 2 - this one gives the true definition of intolerance

Story 3 - this one will make you shake your head and wonder about humanity



There is definitely a "prince and power of this air" that has "his time for a short season."

MaRcH MaDnEsS

Tips off in a little over 1 hour.

CANNOT WAIT!!!!

I am only working a half-day tomorrow so I'll be up way too late tonight and tomorrow.

I am in 2 different pools with 2 brackets in each pool.

Just for fun, here my Elite 8 (E8) and Final 4 (F4) for them

1
E8 - Duke, Texas, Pitt, Gonzaga, UCONN, MSU, Boston Coll, Florida
F4 - Texas, Gonzaga, UCONN, Boston Coll
Finals - UCONN over Texas

2
E8 - LSU, Texas, Memphis, Indiana, UCONN, MSU, Villanova, Florida
F4 - Texas, Memphis, UCONN, Florida
Finals - UCONN over Texas

3
E8 - Duke, Texas, Memphis, UCLA, UCONN, North Carolina, Arizona, Florida
F4 - Duke, Memphis, UCONN, Florida
Finals - Duke over UCONN

4
E8 - Duke, Texas, Pitt, Gonzaga, UCONN, MSU, Boston Coll, Florida
F4 - Duke, Gonzaga, UCONN, Florida
Finals - UCONN over Duke


Should be a blast.

IT IS AWESOME BABY

Time for Politics

I have been staying away from politics lately on this blog. A lot of it is because I am growing more and more cautious of political activism and actually not really liking it at all very much.

Here is an example (a little lengthy):

My new way home from work (thank you M-DOT and your construction patterns) takes me down Woodward Ave. through Royal Oak and Ferndale. Royal Oak and Ferndale are very liberal yuppie-type communities. Where as I live in downriver Detroit, which is blue-collar UAW/Teamsters (hence, big on the Democratic party), Royal Oak and Ferndale are the college eductaed "elite" "progressive" "open-minded" people (hence anti-Republican party). If you sense sarcasm, you are right.

Anyway, at the corner of 9 Mile and Woodward in the heart of downtown Ferndale, there are occasional war protesters. Not only do they hold signs of "Honk for Peace" and "Honk if you want our troops back." They also hold up signs of "Honk if you want Bush out" and the real old one of "Bush Lied, People Died" There would be a lot of cars that honked, and the citizens would raise their hands and wave their signs and banners in appreciation. And part of me would get fired up.

Freedom of speech does not bother me and I am all for it. I sport a "Support Our Troops and President Bush" sign in my front yard. I understand people disagree and have opposite politcal views. This is America and the reason America was formed was because in the "old country" you couldn't openly disagree with the government (or the church!).

But I started to notice that the days where the temperatures were down into the 20's and lower, there would be no protesters. The corner would be empty of people. What is up with that?! I let it fester and when the temps went back up, they showed up again. Banners flying and signs waving and cars honking. I was really getting fired up over this. I began thinking I could make my sign "Honk 4 Bush" or "Honk for a Liberated Iraq" and stand about 10 to 15 ft passed the protesters. This way, when the car tarvelling 35 mph passes them, and then honks, it would be just as they drove by me and my sign. At which time I would jump up and down and cheer them on for supporting me. I know they read my sign and realize what they just did, and I would laugh uncontrollably as I watched them tap their break or do the head jerk in disgust as they tried to look back in their mirrors and realize what they just did.

This was awesome I thought. Just to see the looks on all there faces and be that lonely voice out there. Who knows, maybe others would follow me and we could get our own little group going. I was going to do this one day. This was festering in me and boiling up and over.

Then I thought how ridiculous this was and how it sounded. What was it going to accomplish? What would I gain? What would anyone gain? What was the root of this? The fact they didn't protest in cold weather. I'm not going to either. I'll only be there when they are, and then not everytime. What is the difference? I actually do not like political activism in regards to protesting and walking around carrying signs and the such. It gets no where.

Apparently, sometimes, people just need to feel good about themselves. Convince themselves that they are doing something worthwhile. Everyone wants this feeling. As such, I am one of them. My politcal activism is reading up on current events, discussing this with family, friends, and co-workers. Sometimes posting this here. But I am growing more and more apathy towards politics. I still read Time magazine and the Wall Street Journal and watch the news. Still occasionally TiVo Meet the Press. But the need to go around publicizing my politics and broadcasting to people and discussing it with others is just going away.

But I still feel the need to do this sometimes

As such here are a couple articles and blog entries that I have found to be very good entries and I have enjoyed reading. They are in regards to: Iraq, Afghanistan, the recent US Port deal and some other politics. So if you have some time, I would encourage you to read them and decide for yourself.

http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/chain_1142266497.shtml

http://theglitteringeye.com/?p=1830

http://www.opinionjournal.com/la/?id=110008079

http://hotzone.yahoo.com/b/hotzone/blogs2949

Afterall, I need to feel like I stand for something and have political convictions and just feel good about myself.

Honk4 Bush

Honk if you want Bush Out

Sermons

Sermons are intended to: take God's words, written and spoken in the past, take the human experience, ancestral and personal, of the listening congregation, then reproduce the words and experiences as a single event right now, in this present moment. A sermon changes words about God into words from God. It takes what we have heard or read of God and God's ways and turns them into a personal proclamation of God's good news. A sermon changes water into wine. A sermon changes bread nouns and wine verbs into the body and blood of Christ. A sermon makes personal again what was once present and personal to Isaac and Rebekah, to Ruth and Boaz, to David and Abigail, to Mary and Elizabeth, to Peter and Paul, to Prisclla and Aquila. To you. To me. No word that God has spoken is a mere literary artifact to be studied; no human experience is dead history merely to be regretted or admired.

...Live this! Now!

Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places - Eugene Peterson (pg 249)

The Signs

Most of us have a hankering for "signs" -- supernatural phenomena and marvels of various sorts. The vast field of religion is commonly assumed to provide ground for the miraculous, and the more fertile the soil the more miracles per acre. So it often comes as a surprise to learn that Jesus was distinctly cool to the subject as a whole. Without debunking miracles as such, Jesus flatly denied that they were evidence of authenticity and gave a stern warning against being duped by them: "false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matt. 24:24; see also 2 Thess. 2:9 and Rev. 19:20). Jesus also, though he performed a number of miracles in the course of his life, bluntly refused to use a miraculous sign as validation or proof of his divine authority and had harsh words for those who asked for one: "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign" (Matt. 12:39; see also Luke 23:8 and 1 Cor. 1:22).

That seems to be clear enough and, with Jesus as the speaker, sufficiently authoritative: Don't be impressed by signs; don't go out looking for signs. The miraculous is no proof of truth or reality. Supernatural marvels have wonderful entertainment value, but not much else. There is a basic sense in which we cannot avoid the miraculous. We live in a world, after all, in which God is supernaturally active, visibly and invisibly, both around and within us, far beyond our capacity to notice or explain, control or manage. It would be odd if we did not at least occasionally catch a glimpse of this "beyond" in our backyards and remark on it -- a sign, a sign of God's presence or work where we had not expected to see or hear it and in circumstances in which we cannot account for it. But such signs are not for advertising or entertainment....

...show us how Jesus who created all these things and holds them all together still (Col. 1:15-20) continues to work in this same stuff creation. Everything Jesus does, he does with his hands deep in the soil and flesh of creation...

...Jesus is openly impatient and even dismissive of those who ask for miraculous proof that will validate his authority.

Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places - Eugene Peterson (pg 92)

Why Jesus Came to Die 2

The ransom price of this release from God's condemnation is the life of Christ. Not just his life lived, but his life given up in death. Jesus said repeatedly to his disciples, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him" (Mark 9:31). In fact, one of the reasons Jesus loved to call himself "the Son of Man" (over sixty-five times in the Gospels) was that it had the ring of mortality about it. Men can die. That's why he had to be one. The ransom could only be paid by the Son of Man, because the ransom was a life given up in death.

The price was not coerced from him. That's the point of saying, "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve." He needed no service from us. He was the giver, not the receiver. "No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18). The price was paid freely; it was not forced. Which brings us again to his love. He freely chose to rescue us at the cost of his life.

Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die - John Piper (pg 35)

Why Jesus Came to Die 1

This explains the paradox of the New Testament. On the one hand, the suffering of Christ is an outpouring of God's wrath because of sin. But on the other hand, Christ's suffering is a beautiful act of submission and obedience to the will of the Father. So Christ cried from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). And yet the Bible says that the suffering of Christ was a fragrance to God. "Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering to God." (Ephesians 5:2).

Oh, that we might worship the terrible wonder of the love of God! It is not sentimental. It is not simple. For our sake God did the impossible: He poured out his wrath on his own Son -- the one whose submission made him infinitely unworthy to receive it. Yet the Son's very willingness to receive it was precious in God's sight.

Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die - John Piper (pg 23)